Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas and New Year Message to the Nation by H.E. Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama President of the Republic of Botswana - December 2008

source: REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT26/12/08 - Tautona Times Holiday Special

Below please find below transcripts in English (1) and Setswana (2) of H.E. the President's Christmas Day and New Year's message to the nation:

1) CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION BY H.E. LT. GEN. SERETSE KHAMA IAN KHAMA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA - DECEMBER 2008

1. Bagaetsho! As we come to the end of another eventful year, it isa pleasure for me to have this opportunity to wish each and everyone a safe and pleasant holiday season.

2. For many of us this day holds a special significance as the anniversary of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a pivotal event for believers that marks a transformative moment in humanity's existence.

3. For all of us, this can also be a time of new beginnings, as wecome together to enjoy an annual break from life's routine.

4. As many of us have the pleasure of returning to our home villages; and as we find comfort and draw strength in the company of family and friends; we may also find the time for personal reflection as well as shared celebration.

5. The coming New Year will be full of challenges, however I amsure all of you will have heard about the current Global economic crisis as alluded to by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning to Parliament about two weeks ago.

6. Our economy is already feeling the negative impact of the globaldownturn in mineral commodity prices, therefore some of our programmes and projects will have to adjust their targets and timeframes to the reality of a general slowdown in trans-national investment.

7. Past savings and prudence shall be put to use to minimize the impact of current and expected downturns in revenue on Government programmes.

8. But, as we acknowledge the difficulties we are to face, let us also be encouraged by the fact that today's Botswana is the living legacy of men and women who overcame far greater adversity to forge our present progress.

9. Like them we must harvest our hopes by not giving into unfoundedfears or cynical excuses for failing to achieve the best that lies within us. We should in the coming difficult period therefore motivate ourselves to work harder, be more productive, and turn this coming slowdown into opportunities that will see us come out of it on a better footing to achieve our goals both personally and nationally as we go forward with our development programmes.

10. As I also stated in my address before Parliament, just in the past few months alone, our country has continued to receive international accolades for our collective achievements in various fields.

11. If others can see something of the best in us, how much moreaware should we be of our own God given potential?

12. Let us therefore not hesitate in taking justifiable pride in who we are, while being ever more ambitious in achieving all that we can be.

13. Crime is another challenge that can be defeated if we exercisegreater collective responsibility by watching out for each other and working together with the police service. This is especially true during this time of the year, when criminals can be expected to try to take advantage of those who are away from their homes. Let us therefore keep an eye out for our neighbours as well as ourselves.

14. Substance abuse, that is the overindulgence of alcohol and useof banned substances, continues to aggravate the spread of HIV, as well as many of the other social ills we face from rape and domestic violence to the carnage of our roads. Thus it is that each year this time of joy becomes a season of sorrow for some among us.

15. Road accidents continue to rival the virus as the leading causeof premature death. Here again, let us keep the spirit of the season alive by practicing individual and collective responsibility and discipline.

16. Let us, therefore, all be united in faith and in prayer for the greater peace, prosperity and the wellbeing of our community during the coming year, and give thought and help to the disadvantaged in our society. Casting aside selfishness and reaching out to others will see us attain our vision of being a united and proud nation. Let us also pray for the suffering that our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe are going through at the present time and hope that 2009 will deliver them better leadership that will help them to overcome their own crisis.

17. Finally let us beseech God's blessings for good rains, as I, inclosing once again wish you all a joyous Christmas and productive New Year.